Fount of Life (Gloria)

The Holy Spirit Mass interweaves the familiar Mass texts with English translations of the 9th-century Veni Creator Spiritus (‘Come Creator Spirit’) and Martin Luther’s hymn Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord. The work reflects on the long conflict within the church after the religious upheaval of the 16th century. But it also celebrates what the reformation has given us, as well as the ecumenical development and increasing dialogue between the Christian churches. The work looks forward in hope of a more united future by focusing on what we have in common. In this way, the work is both celebratory and reflective, while The Holy Spirit unites us, and gives comfort, strength, inspiration, and excitement.

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The Holy Spirit Mass was commissioned for the National Lutheran Choir, Dr. David Cherwien, Artistic Director, through a gift from Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in October 2017. The work was premiered in Washington D. C. in October 2017 and had its European Premiere in Rome, October 2018 at the opening of the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art.